Aussie javelin star’s London dream thrown into jeopardy

SYDNEY: Australian javelin thrower Jarrod Bannister’s chances of competing at the London Olympics were thrown into jeopardy yesterday after he was reportedly charged with driving offences.

The australian olympic committee (AOC) and Athletics Australia said they were considering the Commonwealth Games champion’s conduct.

“Athletics Australia are aware that Jarrod Bannister is currently part of an ongoing court case in relation to driving offences,” the organisation said in a statement.

“We are currently seeking to gather all necessary information in order to undertake an internal investigation, in light of his breach of his Athletics Australia athlete contract.”

Bannister, who has been selected to represent Australia at the London Olympics, faced court last week on five charges, including drink-driving and driving without a licence, Australian Associated Press reported.

Under the Australian Olympic Committee’s agreement with athletes, they must not engage in conduct which brings their sport into disrepute or be charged with serious offences involving alcohol.

“The AOC selection committee will consider his conduct,” the AOC’S media director Mike Tancred said.

“He has done the right thing by making a disclosure; he’s been open and honest with us.”

Officials are confident the case, which will be mentioned again later this month in Brisbane’s Magistrates Court, will be finalised before the June 11 deadline for settling on the final composition of the Olympic team.

Bannister, who came sixth in the Beijing Olympics, won the Commonwealth Games title in New Delhi in 2010 and qualified for the Olympics when he finished in seventh position at last year’s world championships.